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Sailing Gear

I admire those who go to sea in very simple ships without all the clutter that most modern boats have. Those who have the skills to navigate well without GPS or chart plotter and those who have no radio or phone on board. As Blondie Hasler once said when asked why he had no radio transmitter on board; "It would be more seemly to drown like a gentleman!"

There is a great deal to be said for a basic boat and the simple pleasures of going to sea. However, I'm rather fond of my gadgets and my comforts on board. That's not to say that Caraway is packed with all the latest gear but that there are some things that I'd rather not go cruising without. An auto-pilot for example, a reliable depth instrument and good quality safety gear.

There's an enormous choice of gear out there and it's all too tempting to be drawn into the sales pitch and buy things that aren't really necessary. So, I decided to list a few things that I really like and use all the time and a few others that I can't afford but would like in the future.

The following list provides a link to Mailspeed UK in case you wish to purchase any of them. If you do decide to buy something I get about 25p which will never make up for all the hours I've wasted on this web site but it gives me a small buzz anyway. Just click an image to find out more or buy.

Images are copyright Mailspeed.

Sailing Gear Reviews

Product	Description	Review	Category
	The Fortress Anchor	This is the best anchor I've ever used on sand. I used to have a CQR which would never seem to hold in the Mediterranean. I swapped the CQR for this and have never dragged on sand.	Anchoring
	Lewmar Delta Anchor	I needed another anchor to use in mud and shingle and since I got rid of the CQR I bought this which is lighter and seems to hold better than the CQR. It doesn't stow quite as well as the CQR because the shaft is no jointed but its much lighter.	Anchoring
	Ventair, flexible ventilation layer	A few years ago I used to have a real problem with damp under my v berth. Condensation formed on the fiberglass module under the mattresses. This caused black mold and a horrid smell. I bought some of this stuff and lined the berth. It really worked! It wasn't too cheap but the damp problem has gone. Money well spent since the mattresses and covers were being ruined by the mold.	Cabin
	Replacement Brass Cabin Lamp	I've put this here so I can find it next time I need to replace one on my boat. These are nice ones with a metal switch. Avoid the plastic switches, the heat causes them to become brittle and crack.	Electrical
	Plastimo Iris Hand Bearing Compass	These are excellent little compasses to have on board for taking bearings. I've tried a digital one but couldn't get along with it. These are rugged and reliable and simply work.	Navigation
	Simrad Tiller Pilot TP32	I've used one of these on Caraway for the past four years and done hundreds of miles with it. Friends of mine have even crossed the atlantic with one steering all the way. Buy the biggest one regardless of your boat size. The smaller one I have stuggles when its really rough but for motoring or most sailing its fine. Why they use a black shell I'll never know. They get very hot in the summer sun. One trick is to cover it with a reflective sheet like those you get for windows in cars. But why not make a white one Simrad?	Navigation
	Tacktick wireless instruments, complete system.	I currently have B&G and they're pretty good. However, the cables are a pain. I had a rat problem and the depth cable was shredded. The repair was costly. I have a friend who uses Tacktick and is very happy with them. I love the idea of no wires and that the instruments can be unclipped and taken down below when not in use. Or, when its howling you can sit in the cabin and watch the wind speed down below! These are the way to go. As soon as I have the spare cash I'm changing to Tacktick.	Navigation
	Epifanes Varnish	This is the best varnish on the market. Used for the brightwork on most classic yachts its the choice of professionals the world over. I use this on Caraway for the bowsprit and tiller. There are no short-cuts in brightwork so take your time and don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar! Buy the best and use it well.	Paints and Varnishes
	Clip on safetly lines.	These are what I use on Caraway when I'm alone and when it's rough. They are very strong, never come off accidentally and the elasticated feature allows some movement. Also they are easy to unclip in the dark or in an emergency.	Safety
	Crewsaver Lifejacket	I have two of these on Caraway but they are an earlier version without the integrated harness. Mine are a pain because the separate harnesses are tricky to put on so these are on my list for next time. Why have separate harnesses? These are compact and light and stow away nicely. I haven't tried mine yet and hope I don't have to. When I do, if I survive I'll let you know how well they worked!	Safety

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